ASD News

March 19th, 2017 –The American School of Doha (ASD) is pleased to announce the opening of the Elementary Learners’ Pool, sponsored by Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd. (Oxy Qatar).

In 2014, Oxy Qatar sponsored the construction of a new Learners’ Pool to provide young swimmers with a space suitable for early development. With completion of this pool as part of the ASD Campus Improvement Project, this area has recently been made available for students.

The new Learners’ Pool will be key to our lower elementary aquatics program. Steve Shantz, ASD Aquatics Director, stated, “At 80cm deep and with a sloped entry as well as stairs, the Learners’ Pool will help younger swimmers feel comfortable in the water, which allows them to focus on skill development rather than a possible fear of the water. Water confidence is the key first stroke on the journey toward water competence; the ultimate goal of our aquatics program.”

Andrew Kershaw, Oxy Qatar President and General Manager, attended the ribbon cutting where he was given an official tour of the recently opened space and remarked“Oxy Qatar is proud of its long partnership history with ASD and is very pleased with the successful completion of this multiyear project that will help provide novice swimmers with a safer environment in which to progress their skills.”

“We are delighted to have this new space sponsored by Oxy Qatar”, stated ASD Director, Dr. Tom Hawkins. “The continuing partnership between ASD and Oxy Qatar provides our children with world-class facilities, financial support for programs, and grants to purchase materials that engage and challenge our students in scientific endeavors. We are a better school because of our commitment and support from Oxy Qatar, and we are most grateful for this sponsorship.”